If you're looking for a laid back, surfer town type of vibe this is your place! There's a variety of bars and restaurants all along the main strip. Center Street Coffee, Lost Dog Cafe, Chico Feo, and Bounty Bar are some of our personal favorites!
A quieter, more relaxing beach town with beautiful homes, great restaurants, and a slightly slower pace. Perfect for a beach day followed by cocktails and dinner just steps from the water. Our favorite is The Obstinate Daughter but make sure to make reservations!
One of our favorite local spots for waterfront dining and sunset drinks. Walk along the boardwalk, watch the shrimp boats come in, and keep an eye out for dolphins swimming through the creek!
One of Charleston’s most iconic waterfront walks, lined with historic mansions and beautiful harbor views. It’s the perfect place for a post-dinner stroll and watching the sunset.
A beautiful waterfront park known for the iconic pineapple fountain and swinging benches overlooking the water. It's a great spot to relax and soak in the Charleston scenery. If you keep walking just a little further you'll find the Rooftop at the Vendue and Fleet Landing, both offering great views, food, and drinks.
Charleston’s famous row of colorful historic homes and one of the city’s most photographed spots. You really can't go wrong just walking around the area and admiring all the historic homes and churches, some date back to the 1700s!
A fun stop for families or anyone who loves marine life! You’ll see sea turtles, sharks, stingrays, and plenty of coastal wildlife native to South Carolina.
Hop on a ferry and visit the historic site where the first shots of the Civil War were fired. Bonus: the boat ride gives you some of the best views of Charleston Harbor.
A historic open-air market filled with local vendors, handmade goods, art, and sweetgrass baskets woven by local artisans. Great for strolling, shopping, and picking up souvenirs. Also a good place to pick-up tickets for a historic horse-drawn carriage tour!
Rent a kayak or paddleboard to experience the Lowcountry marshes and tidal creeks. They also offer boat tours where you can look for dolphins, check out the lighthouse, hunt for shark teeth, and more!
Charleston’s main shopping district filled with local boutiques, designer stores, antique shops, coffee spots, and restaurants. It’s the perfect place to spend an afternoon wandering in and out of shops while exploring downtown Charleston.
One of the most iconic sights in the Charleston area, this massive live oak tree is estimated to be hundreds of years old and absolutely breathtaking in person. Its enormous twisting branches stretch in every direction and make it feel straight out of a movie scene.
A RiverDogs game is a fun and family-friendly night out in Charleston. Between the waterfront stadium views, silly in-game entertainment, fireworks nights, and classic ballpark food and drinks, it’s the perfect low-key evening whether you’re a huge baseball fan or just there for the fun atmosphere.
Feels like we're back in Austin when we eat here! The brisket is legendary, the atmosphere is lively and casual, and the smell alone will make you hungry before you even walk through the door. An absolute must if you're craving some southern BBQ.
A great alternative if you're wanting to try Carolina-style barbecue in a fun, laid-back atmosphere. They're known for pulled pork, smoked wings, and their famous frozen Gamechanger cocktail. Super popular in Charleston and a local favorite!
A tiny neighborhood bakery with incredible pastries, seasonal treats, and excellent coffee. Everything somehow looks too pretty to eat, but definitely eat it anyway! The line might be intimidating but it moves quickly and it's definitely worth the wait!
A classic Lowcountry seafood spot tucked along the marsh with beautiful sunset views and classic Charleston charm. They're known for fresh local oysters and no-frills seafood. Great place to stop by on the way back from Folly Beach.
A Charleston favorite known for incredibly fresh seafood, famous lobster rolls, and some of the best oysters in the city. There is usually a wait but a secret hack is to head around the corner to Bar 167 to grab drinks while you wait or eat off their more Mediterranean inspired menu!
It cannot get more classic Charleston than Magnolias. They're famous for their elevated Southern and Lowcountry cuisine in the heart of downtown. It’s a great spot to try Charleston staples like she-crab soup, fried green tomatoes, and shrimp & grits.